Compassion to ACT!

Nulu’s Story

“BECAUSE IN COMPASSION, WHEN WE FEEL WITH THE OTHER, WE DETHRONE OURSELVES FROM THE CENTER OF OUR WORLD AND WE PUT ANOTHER PERSON THERE.” 
- KAREN ARMSTRONG

At Project Orphans, we are “can-do” people. Often in life, it is too easy to say what can't be done or we focus on the barriers that hinder us from helping someone because we don’t have all the answers or resources. One of our organization’s core values is to be quick to respond to a person’s need and we do this through a lens of compassion. 

Nulu’s survival depended on the value of compassion.  At 34 years of age, Nulu weighed only 55 pounds. She was fighting for her life, not for herself but for her children. Nulu had recently lost her husband to HIV. Nulu didn’t realize her husband had HIV, and unfortunately, Nulu also contracted the disease. Her weight slowly began to decrease and her illness began to take over her life. Nulu was not able to eat — she had developed wounds in her throat and ulcers in her stomach.

After becoming ill, Nulu sold all her life possessions for medication. Nulu and her children moved from the city of Kampala to the village where her family lived. Miraculously, and unbeknownst to Nulu, she moved very close to Project Orphan’s campus, Pearl Village. This is when Josephine, Director of Education at Pearl Village, found Nulu. Josephine didn’t need to even ask if Nulu was in trouble. Nulu was visibly dying — and Josephine could not ignore what she had seen!  

“When I found Nulu, I didn’t know her, but I could tell she had no hope and that she was going to die,” shares Josephine. “Her family was not happy with Nulu and her disease. They had withheld medication and food from Nulu. They were slowly killing her. They had even prepared her burial location — close to their home.” 

Josephine immediately responded and took action. In no time, Nulu and her children moved to the Project Orphan’s campus. Nulu was given immediate medical care. She was suffering in so many ways — and it required the entire Project Orphan’s team to fight for Nulu and her life. 

“Compassion has to be our lifestyle,” shares Josephine. “Compassion speaks louder than sometimes shouting the gospel. Project Orphans is able to bring hope and the message of God’s love because we lead with compassion. People in our community see God’s love for them through our actions and that is what opens their hearts to Christ.” 

The fight for Nulu’s life has not been easy. There have been many hurdles and complications throughout her healing. But today, Nulu is gaining weight at a steady rate. Her body is no longer a frail skeleton. Nulu’s heart, mind, and body are stronger than ever before. 

“I’m fighting,” exclaims Nulu! “I’m picking weight and I believe I will survive!” 

At Project Orphans, we are committed to leading with compassion, to helping fast, and giving care that lasts. No barrier should ever stop us from helping meet the need of the suffering. Through your compassionate giving, prayers, and action — Project Orphans is able to respond with courage and compassion, and serve those during their darkest times.